The Driver - Spring 2017 TheDriver_Spring_2017_v4_singles | Page 17

by
David Miller
On the inside, a more premium
and modernized styling has been
implemented. Featured inside will be a
10-inch colour Head-up display, 7-inch
multi-information unit, and an 8-inch
infotainment screen.
As with all Toyota products, safety
is at the core of the sale. All Camry’s
will receive Toyota’s Safety Sense P as
standard equipment.
The 2018 Toyota Camry will be
available in Q3.
2018 Kia Rio
MONTREAL
M
ontreal is a city where
subcompacts and hatchbacks
are the norm. Automakers
save these type of reveals for La Belle
Province and this year it was Kia’s turn
with the North American debut of its
subcompact hatch, the 2018 Rio 5-door.
The Rio 5-door receives a full redesign
that sees it grow in wheelbase by 10 mm
for more room throughout including
headroom, legroom and shoulder space.
But it’s in the cargo department where
the biggest increase is found. Cargo
space gets a boost to 493 litres – 68
litres more than the outgoing model.
The Rio will be carrying over its
direct-injected, 1.6-litre power unit
which surprisingly has a downgrade in
power from 137 hp to 1 30, while torque
numbers go from 123 lb.-ft. of torque to
118. According to Kia, this will not only
result in better fuel economy (also aided
by applying more advanced high-
strength steel construction), but better
low- to mid-range acceleration.
Inside, the Rio will have Android
Auto and Apple Car Play capabilities
from its five-inch display (seven-inch
touchscreen is optional), as well as
standard heated steering wheel and
heated front seats. On select trims,
the Rio will feature an embedded
telematics system that provides remote
service, safety and security. For the
first five years, the system will be free
and that system will be used eventually
throughout the Kia lineup.
Aston Martin
AM-RB 001
TORONTO
T
he North American premiere of
the Aston Martin AM-RB 001
hypercar in Toronto was a big
deal. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andrew
Palmer was on hand to reveal it, and
its sleek and athletic cuts took it from
there to wow the crowd of automotive
journalists.
The AM-RB 001 is a joint effort
between Aston Martin and the Formula
One Red Bull racing team. But this isn’t
just a concept to showcase what can
be achieved; both these parties are
describe it as “a road car that will define
the decade.” There will be 150 road car
versions – already pre-purchased – and
an additional 25 track-only behemoths
to come.
The big news from the reveal was new
information about its lightweight hybrid
battery system, supplied by Rimac. It
was a little trickle of news, but at least
something as no official specs have
been confirmed.
What we do know is that the hypercar
will utilize a seven-speed paddle-shift
transmission produced by Ricardo.
According to Palmer, this transmission
is perfect for the naturally-aspirated,
6.5-litre Cosworth V-12 that will be mid-
mounted. With the use of lightweight
architecture and a carbon fibre frame,
the hybrid hypercar is expected to be
close to a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio with
unprecedented levels of downforce.
It will be a while until the
AM-RB 001 hits the streets
with an expected date of 2019.
The Rio will be arriving this Spring,
so look out for it.
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